How to fix KitchenAid KHM3 hand mixer

"Help!  My beaters keeping falling out!"

2014

The plastic retaining gears of the Kitchen Aid model: KHM3WH have small prongs inside on their shaft that will eventually break off,  causing the beaters to fall out.

There are two of these nylon gears shown as part 16 in the view below and sometimes referred to as Gear Set part number PS606075 or AP2930023

The gears are out of stock and no longer available. I checked with KitchenAid and several appliance parts and repair service shops.

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FIX IT YOURSELF

Here is how I fixed my mixer to keep the beaters from falling out.

UNPLUG the power cord before attempting any repairs!

Remove the white plugs that cover the four screws on the bottom. I used a knife to pop them out.

Remove the four screws and the bottom cover. Clean out any flour or powder. I used a toothbrush, a toothpick and a vacuum.

Remove the screw holding the gear retaining plate. I used a Vise-Grip needle nose pliers. You may need to file the edges of the screw to make it easier to grab. A hacksaw blade, emery board, small file or sandpaper may work. I did not remove the fanblade.

Remove the plate and the two gears.

I found a spring from a old flashlight. You can use any spring that has some strength and can be bent and cut with a couple of needle nose pliers.  Paperclips and the wire from a spiral notebook will not work. Just a little thicker and springier is required. Check the Hillman parts drawers at your hardware store.

Next I used a hacksaw blade to cut a slot in the gear shaft as shown. I kept the beater inserted in the gear while cutting. The slot should line up with the indent on the beater. Cut until the hacksaw hits the beater shaft.

Widen the slot with folded sandpaper or an emery board. Make sure your spring wire fits loosely in the slot

Cut and bend the spring into a modified 'D' shape. I made several attempts at this before getting it just right.

Install the spring. I stuck the flat end in the slot and used a needle nose to grab it inside the shaft, then twisted and positioned it. Again this took several tries.

Now insert the beater in the gear. If if holds, do the other gear. If not, remove the spring, bend it and try again.

When re-assembling, I used a hex head screw for the retaining plate, much easier to grab.

Success! It's time to make a cake.

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